A group of seniors gets stage fright in ’Nutcracker’s Nuts’

Sometimes what seems like a bright idea can lead to some dark consequences. That’s the lesson learned by a group of ambitious senior citizens in “The Nutcracker’s Nuts,” the Riverwalk Theatre’s holiday production.

The comedy is set in a retirement community that puts on an annual Christmas production. But this year, the residents are having trouble remembering their lines.

Their solution is to put on “The Nutcracker,” a play with no dialogue. Unfortunately, after all the tickets to their production are sold out, the actors realize "The Nutcracker" is a ballet.

“It’s a family-oriented show,” said Tom Ferris, the show’s director. “It is ridiculous, but it deals a little bit with what it means to grow older, and taking on new risks.”

Ferris said he’s excited to bring some humor to the holiday season.

“Actually, I thought it would be a nice contrast to the other versions of the ’Nutcracker’ ballet that are showing around Lansing,” he said.